Dietitian

Dietitians turn their scientific knowledge into practical advice about the links between diet and health. They work with individuals and groups of people, helping them to make informed choices about what they eat. They may work in:

• hospitals, advising people who need a special diet because of their condition
• community and public health settings in health promotion or clinical work
• sport, advising athletes on the links between diet and performance
• industry, providing expertise to food and pharmaceutical companies
• research, developing and testing new ways of working
• education, training student dietitians and other healthcare workers
• the media, making sure consistent, accurate messages are conveyed.

Dietitians in the National Health Service (NHS) usually work standard hours from Monday to Friday and may sometimes work at weekend clinics. Community dietitians may travel locally.

Salaries in the NHS may start at around £20,700 a year, and can rise as high as £39,000 for dietitians with management roles.

Dietitians should:

• be good at influencing and motivating people
• be good at explaining complex issues in an easily understood way
• be caring and non-judgemental
• be able to relate to all kinds of people
• be interested in people, science and nutrition.

There are opportunities in all parts of the country. The NHS is a major employer.

Dietitians must be registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC), which means gaining a qualification approved by the HPC. This can be either a degree course in dietetics or nutrition and dietetics, or a postgraduate diploma in dietetics.

Fourteen UK universities offer approved courses. Entry requirements for degree courses vary, but are normally A level passes in two or three science subjects, preferably including chemistry. GCSEs in maths and English (A*-C) are also required.

As well as theory, courses include practical training in a hospital or community setting.

Dietitians are expected to keep up to date with new research and developments throughout their careers, and are required by the HPC to undertake continuing professional development (CPD).

After gaining experience, NHS dietitians may specialise in a specific clinical area, such as renal (kidney) dietetics, or in working with a particular group, such as children. They may take on a management role, leading a dietetics department. Many dietitians choose to be self-employed. Some move into teaching or health education.

Further details